Goa's Hidden Gem: The Ark Comforts Awaits!
Goa's Hidden Gem: The Ark Comforts Awaits! - A Messy, Honest, and Absolutely Human Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from The Ark Comforts Awaits! in Goa, and I'm here to spill the beans. Forget those polished, sterile reviews – this is the REAL DEAL. Think of me as your slightly frazzled, sunburnt friend who's desperate to share their vacation feels, warts and all. And let me tell you, I've got a few warts to share about my stay… but mostly, it was brilliant.
First Impressions (and a slight panic attack about accessibility):
Finding The Ark Comforts Awaits! was a little like stumbling upon a secret pirate treasure. It’s tucked away, which is a HUGE plus if you're like me and prefer your beaches without the screaming hordes. But… (and there always seems to be a "but" in my travel stories) … I had a moment of sheer, unadulterated terror about Accessibility. I'd booked it assuming it was all peachy keen (because, you know, reading is hard). Thankfully, they ARE equipped with Elevators, which was a massive relief. I didn't see a ton of specific mentions about completely wheelchair-friendly areas, but it looked pretty decent. There was a Car park [on-site], and a free one to boot which is a massive win for the budget. They had Facilities for disabled guests, but I never got a super in-depth look at what that meant, you know? More on this in future reviews.
The Rooms (Where the Magic Happens… and Sometimes Doesn’t):
Okay, let's talk rooms. I’m a sucker for a good room. They had Air conditioning, thank GOD. And Free Wi-Fi in the rooms! (More on that later. It's a love-hate thing). The room itself? Solid. Air conditioning that actually worked, a desk for those "I HAVE to check emails" moments (which, let's be honest, is EVERY moment on vacation), and a refrigerator to keep the Kingfisher cold. The bed? Surprisingly comfy. Whew. And they had bathrobes! I'm a sucker for a good bathrobe. I practically lived in it. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver because a) jet lag and b) Goa sun.
Now, for the messy part. The bathroom. Oh boy. It was clean, thank goodness, and they had a separate shower/bathtub. The shower was fine, not spectacular shower, but there was hot water with decent pressure! But for the love of all that is holy, why is the hairdryer so weak? It’s like it’s giving up halfway. My hair is a MESS, I tell you. I wanted a good hair dryer in the bathroom, it's not much to ask! On the bright side, they do have Complimentary Tea and Free bottled water, so you can cry in your tea about the hair dryer situation.
Wi-Fi Woes (and Internet Access Adventures):
Okay, listen up. They advertise Wi-Fi [free] in the rooms, and I'm eternally thankful. It saved me from having to actually talk to other humans (sometimes), which is my vacation goal. But the connection? Let's just say it was temperamental. Imagine trying to stream a movie on a dial-up connection in the 90s. That’s basically my experience. It Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN, so I tried all of it. Eventually, I just gave up and embraced the slower pace.
The Food! (My stomach's best friend):
The food situation at The Ark was a rollercoaster of deliciousness. Breakfast was a highlight. And it's a good one! Breakfast [buffet]. Okay, so I did the Asian breakfast once. Too much, and too spicy! Their Western breakfast was great, though! They have a little Coffee/tea in restaurant area that I adore. Sometimes I'm there for hours! They offered Coffee shop and Breakfast service which I loved. The restaurants were AMAZING. There was a Poolside bar, which is always a win. And speaking of wins? Desserts in restaurant… oh my god. The desserts! The A la carte in restaurant menu? Fantastic! You absolutely have to try the fish tacos. They have a Vegetarian restaurant available. The Snack bar saved me from many hangry meltdowns. They also had Room service [24-hour], which I never needed but was good to know.
Ways to Relax (My Soulmate, Sauna):
Okay, listen. If you like to relax, you are in the right place. This hotel is a spa oasis. The spa? Heavenly. The sauna? My happy place. I think I spent about half my vacation in it. They had a steamroom, which was… well, steamy. And the massage? I could have stayed on that table indefinitely. They even had a Foot bath! I’d definitely recommend getting a Body scrub and a Body wrap while you're there. It's worth it.
The Pool (Pool with View):
The swimming pool [outdoor] was GORGEOUS. Perfect for a lazy afternoon. The Pool with view was phenomenal.
Cleanliness and Safety (Because COVID, Ugh):
Listen, I was a little freaked out about COVID, so I paid close attention to this stuff. The staff – bless their hearts – were ON IT. They had Hand sanitizer everywhere. They did Daily disinfection in common areas, and all the staff were Staff trained in safety protocol. They used Anti-viral cleaning products, which made me breathe a little easier. They also had Individually-wrapped food options, which was a nice touch, and although I didn't use it this review, they have a Room sanitization opt-out available. They also have First aid kit, a Doctor/nurse on call, and Sterilizing equipment.
Dining and Drinks (Fueling the Adventures):
Beyond the restaurants, the hotel absolutely delivered. The Bar was a great place to unwind and gossip. They had a great Happy hour. The Bottle of water was very needed.
Things to Do (Beyond Napping):
Outside of the spa and pool, The Ark is a great base camp for exploring Goa. They offer Airport transfer, which I highly recommend – getting to the hotel is a breeze. They've got Bicycle parking and a Car park [free of charge], which is awesome for getting around. They also have a Taxi service.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter):
The staff truly went above and beyond. The 24-hour Front desk [24-hour] was a lifesaver. The Concierge was super helpful with making bookings. Also they have Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, and Dry cleaning, which is essential after a week of sun and sand.
For the Kids (If You Have Them… I Don't):
I didn't have any kids with me, but they seemed well catered for. The hotel offers a Babysitting service and Kids facilities.
Getting Around (Or, How to Leave the Hotel… Eventually):
They have a Taxi service. So, you are good to go!
Final Verdict (The Messy Conclusion):
The Ark Comforts Awaits! is a fantastic hotel, even with its foibles. It's not perfect. Nothing ever is. It's got some quirks, but that's part of the charm. It's clean, the staff is lovely, the food is amazing, and the spa is divine. Just be prepared for the Wi-Fi to occasionally drive you crazy.
I give it a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars. Highly recommended.
Now, For the Sales Pitch (Because I'm a Pro):
(Drumroll please…)
Tired of the Same Old Vacation? Craving Adventure… and a Little Pampering?
Then listen up, beach bums and spa enthusiasts! The Ark Comforts Awaits! is calling your name. This isn't just a hotel; it's an escape. A sanctuary. A place where you can:
- Indulge in massages that will melt your stress away (seriously, I'm still dreaming about it).
- Feast on food that will make your taste buds sing (those fish tacos, though…).
- Explore the beauty of Goa, then come back to a cozy room with a cold drink in hand.
But here's the kicker: We're not just offering a place to stay. We're offering an experience. A chance to disconnect (or attempt to, thanks to the slightly unreliable Wi-Fi, but hey, you can live without Instagram for a bit, right?). You will have every detail of stay perfect with every need fulfilled.
Book your stay at The Ark Comforts Awaits! today!
**Don'
Uncover Paradise: Asia Novo Boutique Hotel's Dumaguete Escape
The Ark Comforts Goa: A Messy, Marvellous, and Mostly-Unplanned Adventure
Okay, so this is it. Goa. The Ark Comforts. I booked this thing weeks ago, fueled by Instagram-induced wanderlust and a desperate need to escape the soul-crushing monotony of… well, everything. Now, staring at this itinerary, I feel less "adventurous explorer" and more "slightly panicky tourist with a bad case of FOMO." Here goes nothing.
Day 1: Arrival, Apprehension, and a Questionable Chicken Tikka.
- 10:00 AM: Land at Dabolim Airport. Smooth flight (miraculously, considering my fear of turbulence, which I'm pretty sure is a direct link to my control-freak tendencies). The air… it's thick. Like someone's draped a warm, spicy blanket over you. Already sweating. Not a good look.
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Taxi to The Ark Comforts. The driver (bless him) navigated the chaotic roads with the calm of a seasoned zen master while I gripped the armrest and whimpered silently. Arrived. The Ark is… exactly what the pictures promised. Lush, slightly overgrown, kinda bohemian. Already digging the vibe. Kinda.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Check-in. The front desk guy was friendly, but seriously, how do these people handle the humidity? He's radiating serenity while I'm a sweaty, flustered mess. Room is… charming. Okay, let's be honest, it's beautiful. That four-poster bed is calling my name. But first, unpacking. The bane of my travel existence.
- 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Lunch at the resort's restaurant. Ordered chicken tikka masala, because, when in Rome… or, you know, Goa. The tikka was… okay. Edible. Mostly. I think I tasted a hint of sadness. Maybe it was the jet lag. Maybe it was the fact that I was eating alone. Whatever. Got it down. Ordered a Kingfisher. Bliss.
- 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Nap. Okay, it wasn't really a nap. More like a full-blown coma. Woke up feeling slightly less like a wrung-out dishcloth. Progress!
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Stroll around the resort. Found the pool. Actually, the gorgeous pool. Dipped a toe. Decided it was time to embrace the inevitable: full-on tourist mode.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Attempted yoga class at the resort. Let's just say my downward dog looked more like a confused, upside-down potato. Mortifying. Gave up. Retreat to the bar.
- 7:00 PM onwards: Gin & tonic, book, and the delicious feeling of actually relaxing. Almost. Still, the first day… not a total disaster.
Day 2: Beaches, Bumboats, and the Beautiful, Brutal Burn of the Sun.
- 9:00 AM: Wake up. Okay, I'm getting the hang of this "relaxing" thing. Sort of.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Beach day! Paid a ridiculous amount for a taxi to Baga Beach. Tourist central. Overwhelming. But the ocean! Turquoise, shimmering, utterly gorgeous. Spent way too much time fighting off enthusiastic beach vendors trying to sell me everything from sarongs to jet ski rides. I politely declined everything, but the non-stop sales pitches were irritating.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch at a shack on Baga Beach. Grilled fish. Exquisite. The sheer simplicity of it - fresh air, the sound of waves, grilled fish and lemon juice. Truly, a taste of heaven. I spent too much money on that meal.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Relax. Or attempt to. This is where things went a little sideways. I thought I applied enough sunscreen. Apparently, I underestimated the Goan sun. I paid for it, alright!
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Found myself huddled in my room, desperately trying to cool the burn. Aloe vera is a lifesaver. Also, I learned my lesson about the sun.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: The Boat trip. A friend of mine told me about a sunset cruise. It sounded like a cliche, yes, but I had to do it.
- 6:00 PM onwards: The best sunset I've ever experienced. The sun dipped down and dyed the sky with every colour imaginable - gold, pink, orange. The entire experience was pure perfection. Drinks and tasty food and a bunch of other tourists who seemed to be enjoying themselves. So beautiful, I almost cried. Definitely the highlight of the trip so far!
Day 3: Culture Shock, Spice Markets, and the Irritating Persistence of Mosquitoes.
- 9:00 AM: Ouch. Sunburn still raging. Consider cancelling everything and just hiding in the room.
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Old Goa exploration? Yeah. Should've worn a hat. (Note to self: buy hat.) Churches, cathedrals, all stunningly beautiful and steeped in history. The sheer opulence of some of them is mind-boggling. Got a bit of a religious history lesson too, which was interesting and made me feel slightly better.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch. Simple, cheap, flavourful roadside place in Panjim. The spice market was fascinating, overwhelming.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Spice Market. Ugh! The smells!! Saffron, cinnamon, cardamom – a sensory overload. Bargaining with the vendors was… an experience. I suspect I overpaid for some things, but hey, supporting the local economy, right? Also, bought a suspicious-looking "herbal remedy" for mosquito bites.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Back to the resort. Mosquitoes. Apparently, my herbal remedy was a lie. Hundreds of bites. I’m an absolute feast for the little bloodsuckers.
- 5:00 PM onwards: Another Gin & Tonic and a whole bottle of insect repellent in a futile attempt to make it through the evening.
Day 4: The Unexpected Joy of Doing Absolutely Nothing.
- 10:00 AM: Realised I’m utterly exhausted. Give up on even pretending to be a cultural explorer.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: The best thing about a bad sunburn? You HAVE to stay in your room. Which, in The Ark Comforts, is a pleasure.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch at the resort.
- 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Swim in the pool. Read. Napped. The only thing I did was get more sun.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: A massage. An absolute must-do. The masseuse was a tiny, incredibly strong woman who managed to banish all the knots and stress from my body. Pure bliss.
- 7:00 PM onwards: Delicious dinner. More drinks. More book.
- This evening was for me, and it was perfect.
Day 5: Departure… and a Plan for Return.
- 9:00 AM: Last breakfast. Saying goodbye to this place is harder than I thought.
- 10:00 AM: Check out.
- 11:00 AM: Taxi to the airport. The journey back was filled with mixed emotions. I was happy to be going home, but I knew I'd miss Goa, and more importantly; I knew that I'd missed the opportunity to do more in Goa.
- 1:00 PM: Flight.
- And the whole time on the plane, I spent it planning my return.
Overall:
This trip was messy, imperfect, and utterly and completely wonderful. Goa is a place that gets under your skin, that messes with you, surprises you and leaves you with a sense of wonder, and a slight sunburn. I can't wait to come back.
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Euromar, Massa, Italy - Your Dream Vacation Awaits!
So, like, what *is* this whole thing? I’m still confused. Seriously.
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I keep getting [Specific error message]. What gives?! This is infuriating!

